Canada is a leading destination for international students. Every year, the maple country welcomes thousands of international students from many countries. However, Canadian authorities are always on their toes to filter out the fraudulent candidates from genuine ones. This is vital to maintain Canada’s reputation as a respected international education destination.
June 2014 Changes to International Students Program
New immigration rules will become effective from June 1, 2014. These include:
- Study visas will be issued to genuine students who will be enrolled in a designated learning institution. These designated institutions are recognized by territories and provinces as per their minimum qualifying standards.
- full-time international students will be able to work part time or full time during school breaks without any obligatory requirement of a work permit.
Studying while in Canada
Effective June 1, 2014, it is necessary for study permit holders to actively pursue their studies and make reasonable timely progress. So, international students must remain enrolled in their designated institute for the visa time period and make reasonable efforts to complete their program. Failing to comply can result in deportation from Canada.
Educational institutes will report the status of enrollment to CIC on a regular basis. An immigration officer can check the status of your academics and enrollment any time during the tenure of study permit.
Changes to Student Visa Application Process
New rules state that applications submitted on or after June 1, 2014 require that designated institutes of enrollment must be mentioned on the application along with its assigned ‘designated learning institution number’. The official list of designated learning institutes is available on the CIC website from June 1, 2014. Other requirements remain same and include:
- The potential student must meet the minimum eligibility criteria required for a study permit.
- Proof for finances required to complete study including tuition fees and living expenses.
- A police certificate stating you are a law abiding citizen in your country with no criminal record.
- A complete medical health test stating no severe illness
- Satisfy the visa officer that you will return to your country after completion of study
Short-Term Six Months Courses
Short term courses (less than 6 months) do not require that you possess a study permit. Also, enrollment in a designated learning institute is not necessary for short term courses. However, if you need a study permit, you must enroll for the course in a designated institute only.
Some other Significant Immigration Related Announcements
Chris Alexander, Canadian Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, has announced some important changes to the Live-In Caregiver program as on October 31, 2014. These changes include:
- End to the Live-In requirement for caregivers
- Eligible caregivers now have 2 ways to secure permanent residency within 6 months
- Annual quota will stand at 2,750 applicants beginning 2015
- Reduce processing and backlog time for their reunification with their families
These changes are meant to prevent the abuse of caregivers. They now have more ways to secure Canadian permanent residency and look forward to a future in Canada. Also, speculations are rife that the Conservative government plans to boost the number of immigrants in 2015. More high caliber immigrants now have the chance to become Canadian citizens.
At Nanda, we are group of leading lawyers and immigration consultants in Chandigarh. We deal in Canada study visa along with a host of other immigration solutions for students and permanent residency.